Mighty Wanderers head coach Bob Mpinganjira remains optimistic his side will rediscover their scoring touch as they prepare for a crucial away fixture against Blue Eagles at Nankhaka Stadium, the first of three demanding matches in 10 days.
The Nomads, who remain the only unbeaten team in the league, face a familiar problem: creating chances but failing to convert them. Despite their impressive defensive record—conceding just seven goals in 18 matches—Wanderers have managed only 23 goals this season, the fewest among the top five teams.
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By comparison, league leaders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have scored 46 goals, third-placed Silver Strikers 30, and fifth-placed Civil Service United 26. Wanderers are level with fourth-placed Karonga United on 23 goals.
“We are in shape for the match,” Mpinganjira said ahead of the trip to Nankhaka. “The schedules have been really tight but we have no option. The players are ready and we can only hope for a positive outcome.
“It’s true that we have struggled during a couple of previous games. However, the positive side is that we are able to create scoring opportunities. We are working on finishing and I have hope that things will improve.”
Playing at Nankhaka has historically been challenging for Wanderers. In their last five league visits to Blue Eagles’ home ground, the Nomads have won just once—a 2-1 comeback victory in the season Eagles were relegated to the Chipiku Central Region League. Isaac Kaliati and Vincent Nyangulu scored after Tonic Viyuyu had given Eagles the lead.
Before that win, Wanderers had gone three away games without victory against Eagles, losing twice in 2022 and 2019, while drawing 2-2 in 2021.
Wanderers are seeking their first double over Eagles since 2018, when they won both fixtures 3-0. Earlier this season, the Nomads thrashed Eagles 3-1 in Blantyre—one of only three occasions they’ve scored more than two goals this campaign. The others came against Mighty Tigers and Kamuzu Barracks.
In 39 meetings overall, Wanderers have won 18, Eagles 13, with eight draws.
Wanderers’ scoring problems have been compounded by their tactical approach. After scoring freely in their opening matches using a 4-3-3 formation—netting three goals in both wins against Blue Eagles and Mighty Tigers—the team has shifted to a 3-5-2 system with two target men.
This change has made them predictable, relying heavily on wing play and crosses. In their recent goalless draw against Creck Sporting, Wanderers fielded an attacking lineup featuring strikers Blessings Mwalirino and Sama Thierry Tanjong, yet failed to register a single shot on target in the first half.
Despite creating six goal attempts before the break—three falling to Sama—the quality of finishing failed to match the chances created. The Cameroonian striker missed a golden opportunity when he connected with thin air from Wisdom Mpinganjira’s corner, and fluffed another presentable chance when played through one-on-one
Wanderers have now gone four matches without a striker finding the net. Their last two goals came from midfielders—Felix Zulu in the CAF Confederation Cup against Jwaneng Galaxy, and Isaac Kaliati in the league against Dedza Dynamos. The last striker to score was Mwalirino against Mafco in August.
Analysis of Wanderers’ goals this season reveals heavy reliance on set pieces and long-range efforts rather than fluid attacking play. Several goals came from defensive errors, free kicks, penalties, and corners, with Wisdom Mpinganjira’s deliveries proving particularly effective.
The scoring drought represents a stark contrast to recent seasons. In 2024, Wanderers scored 57 goals in 30 matches—just one behind leading scorers Silver Strikers. However, in 2023, they managed only 35 goals in 30 matches, 14 behind Big Bullets.
Mpinganjira acknowledged Eagles will be dangerous opponents despite their struggles. “Every game is different. We will not bank our approach on their recent form. I know it will be a difficult game because they will be looking to bounce back to winning ways. We are however ready for them and we will do all we can to get the result.”
With back-to-back Blantyre derbies against arch-rivals Big Bullets looming after the Eagles clash, Wanderers need to find their shooting boots quickly if they are to maintain their championship challenge.
The Nomads have suffered just three defeats in 26 matches across all competitions this season—a remarkable record that could prove meaningless if their profligacy costs them vital points in the title race.
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